What You Auto Know: How to Winterproof Your Car

Are you dreading those furious flurries after relocating up North? Or maybe you just got a new car and haven’t driven it in the snow before. Whatever your dilemma, Bauce has your fix. Check out these important tips to get winter-proof your car and get it ready to race through any snow storm. It’s very important that as women we have basic knowledge of how solve common car problems, especially if we end up stranded on the side of a road. If you have further questions, consult your car’s manual, a mechanic or auto expert. Drive on, lovelies!

De-Ice That Windshield: Remove frozen ice on your windshield with de-icer sprays like Mr. Clean Windshield Wash and De-Icer. These solutions will melt the ice on your windshield faster and make for easy removal with an ice scraper. Close to home? Improvise and use hot water to rinse off ice on your windshield.

Get Good Tires: Check the tread level on your tires. Are they worn? Is there anything there? When your driving in the winter time, you need good traction on your tires to avoid skidding on snow and ice. Treads also help breakdown the ice and icky gunk that builds up on the road when it snows. It’s important that your tires are in tact so that you stay safe on the road. If needed, consider investing in snow tires if you don’t have tires that can last year round.

Use the Right Antifreeze: The summer is not the only time your car needs to stay cool. Check your coolant levels in the winter and make sure that you are using a 50/50 antifreeze and water solution to protect your engine from freeze damage. Save yourself the pain and frustration of mixing – buy a pre-mixed formula like Prestone’s 50/50 Prediluted Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant. Remember: Never change oil, coolants, etc. right after you have driven your car — you could burn yourself! Always wait for the car to cool off before changing solutions. Keep the following items on hand:

Check Your Oil: In the wintertime, it’s suggested that you use thinner oil to prevent freezing damage in your car. Check your owner’s manual to make sure you are using the right oil in your car. If you use 10W-30 oil in the summer, try SW-30 during the colder months.

Stock Up Before the Snow Falls: Don’t wait until the snow hits or when you’re stranded on the side of the road before you run to the store to get winter tools. Stock up your car in the fall with items you’ll need to knock of snow or clear your window. It’ll be cheaper than in the cold months and you’ll thank yourself when you’re able to scoop, scrape, and go. Not sure what to buy? (Hint: Wal-mart sells an awesome emergency preparedness kit!) Keep these items on deck:

blanket

small shovel

first-aid kit

ice scraper

bag of sand for traction when your car is stuck in snow

gloves

jumper cables

flashlight

Don’t forget to drive slow in the snow! You’ll notice that when you’re on the highway, no one else is being Speedy Gonzalez. Don’t risk your life by thinking you can go faster than you can. Black ice can cause a total wipeout — always drive slowly when snow is in sight.

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